Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLa Pelosa beach in Sardinia (Getty/iStock)Italian beaches have introduced booking systems and visitor caps to combat overcrowding and protect natural environments. This initiative comes as Italy experiences significant tourism growth, with a 4.2 per cent increase in arrivals and 7.5 per cent in overnight stays in the first quarter of 2026. Popular Sardinian beaches, such as La Pelosa, are now fully booked until mid-September, limiting access to 1,500 visitors daily for a fee. Other coves in Sardinia, including the Unesco-protected Cala Goloritzé, also require advance booking with daily visitor limits and charges. Environmental groups highlight the necessity of these measures to prevent damage, such as sand removal, amidst a global surge in tourist numbers. In fullTravellers must now pre-book to visit some of Italy’s best beachesMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Visitors to Italy’s most popular beaches now have to book ahead
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLa Pelosa beach in Sardinia (Getty/iStock)Italian beaches have introduced booking systems and visitor caps to combat overcrowding and protect natural environments. This initiative comes as Italy experiences significant tourism growth, with a 4.2 per cent increase in arrivals and 7.5 per cent in overnight stays in the first quarter of 2026. Popular Sardinian beaches, such as La Pelosa, are now fully booked until mid-September, limiting access to 1,500 visitors daily for a fee. Other coves in Sardinia, including the Unesco-protected Cala Goloritzé, also require advance booking with daily visitor limits and charges. Environmental groups highlight the necessity of these measures to prevent damage, such as sand removal, amidst a global surge in tourist numbers. In fullTravellers must now pre-book to visit some of Italy’s best beachesMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
